Armed Forces launch war-like effort to rescue flood affected in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka

Bangalore, Oct 3(ANI): The Armed Forces on Saturday intensified the search, rescue and relief operations for people in the flood ravaged states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The Army, Air Force and the Navy are working in tandem to rescue affected people and provide food in the affected areas.

The IAF has deployed 13 helicopters, including five MI-8 and eight Chetaks in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, which have already carried out 17 sorties.

In addition, four AN-32 aircraft have carried out 13 sorties airlifting men and material provided by National Disaster Management Authority from Pune to the affected areas in the two states.

One AN-32 sortie carrying relief for affected people in Kurnool from Arkullaum to Hyderabad had to be diverted to Karnataka as the road link to Kurnoool had been washed away in many places.

Relief material, boats and other equipment have also reached Kurnool, while a large number of Jawans and boats scheduled to be moved from Bangalore to Bellary have been held up due to heavy rains in the West Coast.

The Navy in Karwar and Goa have been providing relief operations in the affected areas in the West Coast of Karnataka.

The IAF will deploy an IL-76 today from Bhubaneswar to Bangalore to transport 350 men and 50 boats to join in the search and relief missions, and an additional 100 men and 30 boats are also being pressed into service by a sortie from Pune to Hyderabad.

Further, 270 persons and 30 boats will be airlifted from Bhatinda and New Delhi to the affected areas as per decisions of the NDMA.

The Eastern Naval Command has been alerted to remain on standby for any eventuality in Vijayawada.

The Navy has so far rescued 130 people, while 150 people stranded at Karwar base are being provided food and shelter. (ANI)